Have you ever found yourself struggling with a reactive dog on a leash – all that lunging, barking, or the seemingly unpredictable behavior? You’re not alone. Leash reactivity is a common challenge faced by many dog owners, often leaving them feeling frustrated, confused, and isolated.
In this Episode of the Muttz with Mannerz™ Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker is joined by Expert Trainer & Behaviour Consultant Karen Baxter to discuss what leash reactivity is and what you can do about it!
In this episode, Corey and Karen discuss:
- Re-introducing Expert Trainer & Behaviour Consultant Karen – the owner and head behaviour consultant at Unified K9 Behaviour Centre.
- What leash reactivity is and why it is important to have a clear definition.
- Corey’s experience with her Great Dane Kira’s leash reactivity.
- What the reasons can be for that reactivity happening on the end of the leash.
- How the human side of that leash can trigger your dog’s reactivity as well.
- Some tips and tricks on what to do if you have a reactive dog.
- The equipment that can be helpful management tools for you and your dog.
- Reactive dog workshops and clinics that are available to help.
- Creating a safe space for your dog to practice is important – like a Muttz with Mannerz™ Community Walk – where both dog and owner feel comfortable and supported.
Resources
To learn more about what Corey and Muttz with Mannerz™ offers visit us at www.muttzwithmannerz.com
Visit Karen’s K9 Behaviour center Unified K9 at https://www.unifiedk9.ca
A couple of pieces of training equipment we recommend are:
Petsafe® Easy Walk Harness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P3GjsnbBgQ
Canny Collar (Dog Head Collar for No Pull Training) https://www.cannyco.com/
Freedom No-Pull Harness https://freedomnopullharness.com/
Special Guest – Karen Baxter
Karen is the owner and head Behaviour Consultant at Unified K9 Behaviour Centre which she founded in 2022. Her training philosophy is “one size does NOT fit all!” and true to the Unified K9 difference, tailors her training protocols and/or treatment plans to the needs of the dog and the lifestyle and goals of the dog’s owner. Her positive and fair techniques are designed to bring out enthusiasm in each dog so they learn to love training which results in building stronger relationships with their humans, based on trust.
Karen has a diploma in Canine Science Technology and is a Licenced Canine Complexity Consultant as well as a Certified as a Dog Behaviour Consultant by the International association of Behaviour Consultants. And she is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Karen has also studied and completed training on the practical application of Behaviour Adjustment Training for fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs and Aggressive Dog Conflict Resolution with Behaviourist and author Cheryl Smith and has completed the Master Aggression Course with world renowned Behaviour Consultant and expert on dog aggression, Michael Shikashio . Her continuing education and experience have ensured Karen has developed expertise in dog psychological issues manifesting themselves as anxiety or aggression.
Karen’s training specialties include Rally Obedience, Agility, Working Dogs Tracking, Scent work, and puppy foundations. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, The Agility Association of Canada, the Canadian Association for Professional Dog Trainers and is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
Karen lives in York Region with her dogs most of which compete in obedience, agility and Rally Obedience. Her dogs have reached master level in all sports.
Your Host:
Corey McCusker, Canine Coach
Corey’s passion for helping humans and dogs excel led her to take a leap of faith after 22 years working in the Financial Industry to leave her corporate job in 2006 and start two companies. Corey is a Coach at heart and works with business leaders and high-performance teams, but her true passion has always been canines. She now has created a career that supports both.
Corey founded Muttz with Mannerz in 2006. Her foundation of knowledge which includes being a Senior Manager, Dog Trainer, Vet Assistant, World Tour Lead, and Mental Performance Coach helped her to launch the Canine Academy. The purpose of the academy is to assist pet parents build the foundation for their pups to be with them for life.
Corey believes in giving back to the community. Over many years she has volunteered at the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA and is also proud to be an evaluator for St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy Program. She held the position of Director of Communications on the board for the Canadian Association for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives from 2017-2019. She has been active with Markham Fair and been a Team Captain and on the Executive for Stouffville Ladies Floor Hockey League for over 15 years.
Corey has made Stouffville her home for the last 18 years and shares it with Mike, her partner, two stepdaughters, Karla and Alison, and their two energetic kittens, Dino and Demi. Over the years Corey has been fortunate to be blessed to share her life with 6 wonderful canines, Tilley ( Miniature Dachshund), Tiny, Kira (Great Danes), Fred(Maltese), Charlie(Morkie), and Cleo(Miniature Poodle). Corey and Mike welcomed their new puppy, Skye, a rescue Muttz from Manitoba reserves into their home in June. 2021. They have big hopes for her and look forward to Skye filling their lives with joy and being an active member of Team Muttz.
Contact:
Muttz with Mannerz – https://muttzwithmannerz.com
Corey’s Email – corey@muttzwithmannerz.com
Join Corey each month for the Women and Dog Circle Free Meetups you can register here >> https://www.seewhatshecando.com/women-and-dogs-circle